There are a Thousand Ways to Kneel and Kiss the Ground – Rumi
Relating to our practice as the fashioning and tuning of an instrument of perception, we will explore our seeing and sensing not as ‘revealers of truth’ but as ‘arts’ – engaging the materials of our lives with more freedom and exploring an infinite field of richness and meaningfulness. Inquiring into the emotional, ideological, and practical barriers that can prevent this opening, constrain its range, or render it ineffectual for our lives, we will trace a path towards more sacredness and beauty. Drawing our hearts onward in devotion, the beauties we encounter in these practices have the power to orient and inspire us during better times and during troubled times too — and can give to everything, including our sufferings, a necessary place.
Program Format: This program will include dharma talks, guided meditation, silent meditation, relational practices, large group discussions, small group discussions, movement and dance, and various forms of ritual, including liturgy.
Note: This program is for those who have completed or will have completed a Fall intensive online Soulmaking program with BCBS prior to the retreat. The group will be comprised of those returning to the residential retreat as well as newcomers. In the event that there are more submissions than there are available spaces, enrollment will be offered as a lottery. The timeline can be found below. Please don't let the fact of a lottery nor the deadline stop you from signing up. We look forward to receiving your submission.
A note from Catherine
Like some of you, I have been grappling with the ethical dimension of Dharma events and carbon-intensive forms of transport that might be involved in traveling to program venues, particularly flying. Whatever you decide about this particular program in terms of travel, I would like to affirm, in the spirit and example of Rob, a rigorous turning towards these questions as a part of our Dharma practice in this era of climate crisis and ecological breakdown. If you have attended a Fall online program, wanted to come to an in-person Soulmaking retreat but are deciding against it for these reasons, please let Catherine know via contact@buddhistinquiry.org (subject: Carbon consideration: FAO Catherine).
Camping Option: If you would like to camp, please select the "Commuter" option and note in the Comments section that you plan to camp. Before choosing to camp, keep in mind that heat, rain, and ticks/mosquitoes are aspects of the camping experience. If you'd like to be on the waitlist for a room, there is a checkbox. All meals are included, and campers have access to restrooms and showers. Please bring your own gear.